Bottled water consumption has increased significantly in recent decades. Eighty percent of bottled water is sold in plastic containers usually made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Trace leaching of phthalate esters (PEs) from these bottles into the water and their effects on human health has become a serious concern. In this study, the effects of freezing on the release of PEs from PET bottles have been investigated. Four common PEs were determined in bottled water samples before and after freezing–remelting by a dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction method and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. PE levels after freezing–remelting of samples were significantly lower than before (mean ± SD = 0.71 ± 0.28 and 0.33 ± 0.003 ppb, respectively). Electrical conductivity (EC) also decreased after freezing–remelting of the water (mean ± SD = 260.2 ± 80.6 and 130.6 ± 17.4 μs/cm, respectively). Significant correlation has been detected between reduction in water EC and elimination of PEs from water. Dissolved minerals and contaminants in water concentrate and conglomerate in the center of the ice during the freezing process and form white sediments mainly of calcium bicarbonate after remelting of the water. It seems that calcium bicarbonate effectively adsorbs PEs and traps them in its structures. These sediments do not have significant gastrointestinal absorption and cannot pose health consequences. The freezing–remelting process could be introduced as an effective procedure for water treatment.

Related articles

A Success Story – Mouang Khong Environmental Group
This past year, the Mouang Khong Environmental Group from Ban Khinak, in the Champasak Province of Laos, identified a need to reduce waste hauling fees related to their recycling efforts. Mouang Khong Environmental recycles large quantities of cardboard, PET bottles, mixed plastics, aluminum cans, and various metals. Harmony Enterprises worked with the company to find a Vertical Baler that has exceeded their expectations.
Finding a Vertical Baler to Fit...

S.Pellegrino mineral water is recognized globally as one of the leading mineral waters on the market. Flowing from a thermal springs in the heart of the Orobic Alps, its properties were known and appreciated since the thirteenth century. In the late nineteenth century it reached peak popularity. In response to the growing demand for entire cases of water from the springs in 1899 the modern S.Pellegrino Company was founded, producing 35,345 bottles of which 5,562 were exported around the world.The taste of S.Pellegr...

CustomerThe Mensing Group of Companies in Hohenwestedt (Germany) invests almost € 10 million in the construction of a new PET recycling plant.The construction of the recycling plant is associated with the formation of PFR Nord GmbH in Hohenwestedt. About 30 new jobs have resulted there.On the whole, Mensing Group, which also includes AFA Nord GmbH and TM Recycling GmbH, has a headcount of about 80.SituationA modern PET recycling plant should be set up anew.PET will be purchased in different qualities.Clear...

CustomerThermoteam is a joint venture of Lafarge and Saubermacher. The business objective is the production of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) at the location of Retznei (South of Styria) close to the cement works of Lafarge in Austria.Thermoteam has capacity and permission to process 99,500 tonnes of waste per year.The input material varies between pre-treated mixed trade wastes and MRF residual wastes, targeting valuable plastic polymers not otherwise viable to collect separately.SituationDemand from users of the...

Europe`s largest logistics provider, Euro Pool System, in Hungary with new recycling hall
In neatly lined-up wire cage carts, cardboard, PET bottles and cans from 175 branches of a supermarket chain in Hungary wait to be compressed into bales. The used packaging is carried via chain conveyors into two parallel channel baling presses and it`s there they are tightly compacted. Two shifts a day, six days a week. Everyone`s talking about the branch of the largest logistics provider in the field of reusable packaging...

Customer comments

No comments were found for Freeze–melting process significantly decreases phthalate ester plasticizer levels in drinking water stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Be the first to comment!

Add your comment

Great! comment successfully added!

Contact

Your message:

Your email

Your first name

Your last name

I would like to receive periodic email updates and special offers from select suppliers.